Join two ropes by retracing a loose figure eight from the opposite direction.
Also known as Flemish bend, Figure 8 bend.
The figure-eight bend starts with a loose figure-eight stopper in one rope. The second end enters beside the first tail and follows the entire path backward. Once complete, every part of the knot has a matching neighboring strand, with the standing ropes leaving at opposite ends.
This is a rethreaded bend, not an offset figure eight tied with both ends pointing the same way. Keep the first knot open until the second rope has followed both lobes and the central crossing. Dressing should preserve those paired paths.
When to use it
- Join compatible ropes with an easily traced rethreaded bend.
- Practice following a knot backward before learning a figure-eight tie-in.
Keep in mind
This lesson explains the rethreaded structure. Critical rope systems require material-specific guidance, suitable tails and practical instruction.
Check your knot
- The standing parts leave opposite ends.
- Both lobes and the central crossing contain paired strands.
- The second rope never skips a turn.